Gear: Elliptical workout machines

Precor

Change it up Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer): Unlike other ellipticals on the market, it features a free-form, user-determined foot motion that can, on the fly, change from a vertical stepping motion to an all-out, full-stride running motion. Likes: Exhilarating, effective and addictive. I loved the variety and challenge; it can be a different workout every day -- or every minute. Allowing you to move the way you want, from easy to all out, it encourages a harder workout than a normal elliptical. The stride length automatically varies from zero to 27 inches, as you step, stride, run, walk or anything in between. Includes resistance adjustment, heart-rate programs and a variety of workout programs but no elevation controls, only a lighted "interactive stride length" dial that lets you watch and experiment with your own real-time motion. Relatively floor-space-friendly at 56 inches long. Dislikes: As a commercial-grade machine, it's priced like a used SUV. Price: $7,995. (425) 486-9292; precor.com.

Change it up Precor AMT (Adaptive Motion Trainer): Unlike other ellipticals on the market, it features a free-form, user-determined foot motion that can, on the fly, change from a vertical stepping motion to an all-out, full-stride running motion. Likes: Exhilarating, effective and addictive. I loved the variety and challenge; it can be a different workout every day -- or every minute. Allowing you to move the way you want, from easy to all out, it encourages a harder workout than a normal elliptical. The stride length automatically varies from zero to 27 inches, as you step, stride, run, walk or anything in between. Includes resistance adjustment, heart-rate programs and a variety of workout programs but no elevation controls, only a lighted "interactive stride length" dial that lets you watch and experiment with your own real-time motion. Relatively floor-space-friendly at 56 inches long. Dislikes: As a commercial-grade machine, it's priced like a used SUV. Price: $7,995. (425) 486-9292; precor.com. (Precor)

Sitting pretty Octane xRide: The world's first seated elliptical machine. Likes: Although originally intended for older people, it provides a superb workout for all ages. The comfortable seating position calls to mind a new and improved recumbent bike, with the short seat and back pad gliding up and back at a 45-degree angle. The back pad also tilts for a custom fit. Great variety; programs allow all-body, arms-only and legs-only workouts. Multi-position handlebar lets you work arms at different angles. Dislikes: Poor control-panel placement. Although I'm of average height (just over 5-foot-9) I had to reach forward, off the back pad, to press the resistance and workout keys. While merely irritating for me, it would be harder to manage for short, senior exercisers. A land yacht at 71 inches. Price: $3,799; xRide6 (with no heart-rate monitor) is $3,199. (847) 638-1582; www.octanefitness.com.

Sitting pretty Octane xRide: The world's first seated elliptical machine. Likes: Although originally intended for older people, it provides a superb workout for all ages. The comfortable seating position calls to mind a new and improved recumbent bike, with the short seat and back pad gliding up and back at a 45-degree angle. The back pad also tilts for a custom fit. Great variety; programs allow all-body, arms-only and legs-only workouts. Multi-position handlebar lets you work arms at different angles. Dislikes: Poor control-panel placement. Although I'm of average height (just over 5-foot-9) I had to reach forward, off the back pad, to press the resistance and workout keys. While merely irritating for me, it would be harder to manage for short, senior exercisers. A land yacht at 71 inches. Price: $3,799; xRide6 (with no heart-rate monitor) is $3,199. (847) 638-1582; www.octanefitness.com. (Octane Fitness)